Often in this forum, we have discussed the possibility of applying "the belgian model" to a possible Cyprus settlement. The central element of the Belgian model is that brussels is a Federal zone, as opposed to being a part of one of the constituent states. Could the same thing be done with Nicosia, in the context of a Cyprus settlement?

I've been giving this some thought for some time now, and here is the proposal I come up with:

Geographical area:

GCCS - Southern part of the island, with a boundary running through Morphou and Famagusta, and passing just south of Nicosia
Federal Zone - Metropolitan Nicosia, suburbs included.
TCCS - Northern part of the island, with a boundary running through Morphou and Famagusta, and passing just north of Nicosia

Population:

GCCS - 400,000
Federal Zone - 300,000
TCCS - 100,000

Residence rights:

GCCS - No more than 25% TCs
Federal Zone - No restrictions
TCCS - No more than 25% GCs

Federal Senate Representatives:

GCCS - 16 Senators
Federal Zone - 16 Senators
TCCS - 16 Senators

Federal House of Deputies representatives:

GCCS - proportional to population
Federal Zone - proportional to population
TCCS - proportional to population

Out of ALL the things that I disagree with I think that's the one I like the least!!!

Magikthrill, what else do you disagee with? And what's wrong with having Limassol as the capital?

Seriously, I believe it would be good to "decentralise" the administration in this manner, instead of having three governments (Federal, GCCS and TCCS) in Nicosia. Just imagine, every Nicosian would be a civil servant! It would be like Athens in Greece, where one city has grown out of all proportion and the rest of the country is just ... villages!

Alexandros Lordos wrote:Often in this forum, we have discussed the possibility of applying "the belgian model" to a possible Cyprus settlement. The central element of the Belgian model is that brussels is a Federal zone, as opposed to being a part of one of the constituent states. Could the same thing be done with Nicosia, in the context of a Cyprus settlement?

Dear Alexandros,
As an idea it sounds quite good. We need however to keep in mind that the entire population of Cyprus is probably equal to one or two suburbs of Brussels, set aside Belgium as a whole. Ideally, what I believe we need in Cyprus is a fairly logical, flexible and economically viable political arrangement, taking into consideration the size of our population and the means to sustain any political system from an economic point of view. As I said, the above idea sounds good and interesting. From a Greek Cypriot point of view it is much better than the provisions of Anan plan. It also provides a testing framework (the federal zone) in which the two communities can function jointly and experience the benefits of an unrestricted bi-communal environment. Furthermore, it holds the country more strongly together and diminishes the potential of a new split, which as A-plan was defined, could most likely have been the end result, any time in the near future.

In view however of the well known approach that many TCs maintain towards the permanent ethnic separation of the people of Cyprus, I wonder if they could possible accept such a proposal or anything, anywhere near it. Personally, I am very disappointed by this approach that most Turkish Cypriots insist to have on this issue of "ethnic" political equality.

Last edited by Kifeas on Sat Apr 09, 2005 9:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.

We have discussed something similar, a couple of years ago. I suggested to open Famagusta to young G&TCs, under the UN at first and then under a common city council.
I am still loooking for the link, from that discussion.......